Iona One Man Band 2009

Another wine from the recent Elgin red wine review which shows the way forward was the yet-to-be-released Iona One Man Band 2009. The maiden vintage 2008 was nominated for 5 Stars in Platter’s 2013 but ultimately wasn’t endorsed. I, for one, found it somewhat curious – a blend of 60% Syrah, the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Mourvèdre and Viognier, it intrigued but did not completely convince.

The 2009, however, is much more fully realised. Here the blend is 36% Syrah, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon , 26% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, and 2% Mourvèdre and it seems much more composed than the 2008 – red and black berries, spice and less of the earthy, meaty notes of 2008. Really well defined fruit, lovely freshness and nice tannic grip. Strong bones AND good musculature, if you will. Look out for it from November at R180 a bottle.